Vat/EFV Operator II

Agropur•Lake Norden, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vat/EFV Operator II is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vat process. People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact. At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters is real impact, not the volume of activity. An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters.

Requirements

Minimum two (2) years of experience in a food service, food plant or sanitation environment required.
Good Mechanical aptitude required.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
Ability to read, understand, and follow documents and procedures (GLP, SOP, SDS, GMP, test procedures, and HACCP).
Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
Ability to follow written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and complete required documentation.
Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.

Nice To Haves

High School Education or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure that all connections for starter inject are made and acknowledge process start button.
Operate and monitor the combination of pasteurized and standardized milk with cultures and other ingredients.
Monitor the vats filling with milk.
Mix and prepare ingredients.
Add various ingredients at appropriate intervals and take samples.
Monitor and log variables at frequent intervals.
Subjectively evaluate coagulated milk to determine if the set is complete.
Monitor cut, cook and stir processes.
Perform curd transfer.
Spray out vats and dismantle parts for cleaning.
Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles.
Troubleshoot and maintain machinery.
Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management.
Complete Pre-Operational log before starting production run.
Add required ingredients into the cheese vat.
Monitor all equipment and recording charts and ensure everything is working correctly and within parameters.
Take milk and whey samples as required.
Monitor pH at pump; adjust starter usage as needed.
Record chemical concentration checks during CIP’s as required.
Return all sample vials to lab after production run.
Perform tasks on Master Sanitation Log as required and record.
Run milk samples at least once per vat and adjust cream and UF milk addition as needed to ensure desired protein/fat ratio.
Completely and accurately fill out all recording charts.
Complete CIP of cheese vats and all other equipment that was used during previous day’s production run.
CIP starter cans as needed.
Responsible for Make Sheet documentation (Lake Norden only).
Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
Support safety policies and programs.